On Tuesday, our students and staff put into action the emergency evacuation plan we have practiced on many occasions.  At about 1:50 PM, we began experiencing power surges that caused our electricity to power on and off.  At this time we contacted Rockwood facilities to assist with the situation.  A staff member then reported an electrical burning odor in a classroom.  Upon inspection by administrators, it was noted and decided to sound the alarm.  This was supported by Rockwood Facilities who arrived at that time.  Around 2:00 p.m. we activated the fire alarm and promptly evacuated the school and accounted for everyone.  The alarms automatically call the emergency responders.  They were on site within minutes and began assessing the situation.

We lost power completely around 2:20 and the fire department would not allow us to inhabit the building for student safety.  With the loss of electricity we no longer had phone service.  Rockwood Communications sent out an Alert Now message to let parents know students could be picked up early or stay until regular dismissal.  At no time was anyone in harms way.  Teachers brought out emergency buckets which contain some bottled water.  We also had a delivery of additional water to meet student needs.  The Fire Chief did allow us to take students to the restroom as needed with an adult escort. 

Later, it was assessed that there was an issue with Ameren which put stress on our three phase building generator that runs HVAC.  One phase burnt out and the system can’t run without all three phases operating.  The smell was from a motor trying to run unsuccessfully.  About 8:30 PM, our power was restored and it was confirmed that we would be able to have school on Wednesday.  However, we still didn’t have phone and internet, so Rockwood Technology staff worked late to resolve this issue. 

As soon as we were notified that we couldn’t be in the building, we contacted RSMS and they graciously agreed to organize their gym and commons area for us to hold parent/teacher conferences.  We are so appreciative of Dr. Linda Miller and her staff.  Anyone that attended a conference that evening knows what a great set up we had in such a short time.

We want to thank the Fenton Fire Department and Officer Aaron Dilks for their quick response and for taking such good care of us.  We want to commend our students and staff on their response to this event.  Dr. Parker and I are so proud of all of them!  We practice fire drills each month; completing 10 each school year.  It was wonderful to see how well it works in a potentially dangerous situation.  Our evacuation and dismissal was an almost textbook example of safety, calm, and cooperation. 

To our parents, you were awesome.  Thanks for letting us do our jobs and trusting us to keep your child safe.  Because of your calm reaction and patience with our dismissal procedure all students arrived home safely.

A special thank you to Rockwood Facilities, Technology, Communications, and Central Services for meeting our needs and assisting us through this process.  We are very fortunate to have such strong support in our district.  If I have missed thanking anyone, please know that everyone’s help was greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Connie Browning